21 July 2025 (Monday), Free Malaysia Today
SEBERANG PERAI: While most people are familiar with what Penang island is famous for, little is known about what the state’s mainland, or Seberang Perai, has to offer.
To overcome this, heritage activist Khoo Salma Nasution has compiled a guidebook that outlines the historical facts, cultural aspects, and places of interest on the “other side” of Penang.
“Seberang Perai accounts for over 70% of Penang’s land area and more than half of its population, yet is often overshadowed by Penang island,” Khoo said at the launch of her book, “Exploring Seberang Perai”, yesterday.
Khoo said Seberang Perai is referred to by many names – Province Wellesley, Butterworth, or simply “the mainland” by English-speaking residents, “koe kang (crossing the port)” or “pa hai (north sea)” by Hokkien-speaking residents, and simply “Seberang” by Malay-speaking folk.
“However, Seberang Perai rolls off the tongue more easily, and the original British name transitioned naturally to what it is known as now.
“All these different names have led to a lot of confusion and a lack of what might be called ‘destination branding’,” she said.
